Presence sensor

Presence sensors are IoT devices designed to detect the presence of individuals in a room and automate electrical systems such as lighting, heating, or air conditioning. They contribute to energy savings and improve user comfort by enabling demand-oriented controls.

Presence sensors are based on technologies like infrared (PIR, Passive Infrared), ultrasound, or microwave. These technologies detect movement in the environment and use advanced algorithms to distinguish between moving individuals and static objects, minimizing false alerts. Additionally, some presence sensors support communication via IoT protocols such as Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) or ZigBee. This connectivity allows data to be sent directly to central control systems or cloud platforms, where it is used to optimize building processes.

Presence sensors are often employed in automated lighting control. They switch on the lights when a room is entered and deactivate them when no movement is registered for a specific amount of time. Combined with heating and air conditioning systems, presence sensors help adapt room temperature and ventilation based on actual usage. They often work alongside other sensors, such as CO₂ or temperature sensors, which provide additional environmental data. This creates a comprehensive data foundation to effectively reduce energy consumption and operating costs. In office environments, they collaborate with additional technologies to support demand-based space optimization by analyzing real-time usage of occupied and unused areas and relaying this information to other systems.

The functionality of presence sensors is further enhanced through integration with IoT platforms. These platforms utilize sensor data to make real-time adjustments and automate maintenance cycles. In combination with machine-learning algorithms, long-term optimizations, such as predicting usage patterns and more precise control of energy systems, can also be realized.

Presence sensors are a crucial component of modern technologies and play a central role in improving comfort and energy efficiency.